Grenoble to Méribel (Col de la Loze)

Stage 17 - Wednesday, 16 September - 168 km (104 mi)

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The Stage

Some new, and very steep, ascents today, though you can be sure the favorites will have done their recon up the highest mountain this Tour, it's not quite space... This is where the GC difference can be made (and this is the only mountain stage with double points at the finish) but you'll need to keep enough in the tank for tomorrow's stage which is going to sap every last drop of energy.

Winner: Miguel Ángel López

Tour Touristique

Sainte-Claire Market Hall
Built in 1874 by the official departmental architect Hector Riondel and inspired by the Baltard Market Hall in Paris, it was constructed on the site of a 15th century Poor Clares convent. The brick walls are merely decorative and the roof only rests upon the metal frame. The façade displays interesting decorative elements – mascarons and roof angles in the shape of lions.

Using this as an excuse to link the amazing Rotterdam Market Hall. :p I used to live a few blocks from where it's located.

Gardens of Château du Touvet
Designed in 1750, the Touvet gardens and their remarkable Italian-style water staircase draw visitors into a preserved and precious world. This water staircase is a masterpiece of garden architecture, unique in France. It is fed by a torrent of the Chartreuse and a profusion of springs which enliven ponds, fountains and basins and is accompanied by the splendour of French gardens with flowerbeds of boxwood and trimmed yew. The 5-ha park is divided into various spaces: the enclosed garden of the Countess, the rose garden, the vegetable patch and the orchard, the undergrowth, the country meadow. It has been awarded the “remarkable garden” label from the Ministry of Culture.

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